Abstract: The present invention relates to the production and culture of undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells that can be maintained long term and are feeder free. The resultant feeder-free populations can be used in any of a number of protocols including the generation of progeny bulls. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful enrichment of bovine spermatogonial stem cells, novel cell lines and other components used for the same, as well as the resultant stem cell compositions.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems related to pelvic implants, including implants that include absorbable and non-absorbable materials.

Abstract: A system for automatic segmentation of tumor tissue, useful for motion correction during radiotherapy using real-time imaging, identifies multiple regions based on the values of data and then identifies the tumors within the regions based on a priori knowledge about tumor size and/or location. The regions may be refined with robust and fast morphological operations, providing segmentation at speeds commensurate with the motion to be corrected.

Abstract: A transducer is configured to couple to the cochlear fluid so as to transmit sound with low amounts of energy, such that feed back to a microphone positioned in the ear canal is inhibited substantially. The cochlear fluid coupled hearing device can allow a user to determine from which side a sound originates with vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited. The transducer may be coupled to the cochlear fluid with a thin membrane disposed between the transducer and the cochlear fluid, for example with a fenestration in the cochlea. In some embodiments, a support coupled to the transducer directly contacts the fluid of the cochlea so as to couple the transducer to the cochlear fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing cystocele including an adjustable support member, a pair of superior support arms continuously knitted with said support member, and a pair of inferior support arms continuously knitted with said support member, wherein the distance between the pair of superior support arms and pair of inferior support arms can be increased or decreased by modifying the shape of the support member.

Abstract: A tinnitus method and device for providing relief to a person suffering from the disturbing effects of tinnitus is described. The method can be implemented entirely in software to spectrally modify an audio signal in accordance with a predetermined masking algorithm which modifies the intensity of the audio signal at selected frequencies. A predetermined masking algorithm is described which provides intermittent masking of the tinnitus wherein, at a comfortable listening level, during peaks of the audio signal the tinnitus is completely obscured, whereas during troughs the perception of the tinnitus occasionally emerges. In practice it has been found that such intermittent masking provides an immediate sense of relief, control and relaxation for the person, whilst enabling sufficient perception of the tinnitus for habituation and long term treatment to occur. Advantageously the predetermined masking algorithm is specifically tailored to the audiometric configuration of the person.

Abstract: One feature pertains to a pelvic harness comprising a tab having a first surface that is adapted to secure to at least a portion of a superior pubic skin region, and a saddle having a first surface adapted to secure to at least a portion of a perineal-anal region. The tab may be positioned at a first end of the pelvic harness, and the saddle may be positioned at a second, opposite end of the pelvic harness. The pelvic harness may further comprise a frame having a first end and a second end, where the frame's first end is coupled to the tab and the second end is coupled to the saddle. A portion of the frame may form an opening positioned in between the tab and the saddle. The frame may include a rail portion that includes at least two rails that define the opening.

Abstract: A surgical method of treating erectile dysfunction includes implanting a penile prosthetic in a patient. The penile prosthetic includes an inflatable portion implantable into a penis that is attachable to a liquid reservoir, a pump, and a deflation assembly. The method includes implanting the deflation assembly in contact with an exterior surface of a pelvis of the patient, and positioning an activation surface of the deflation assembly away from the exterior surface of the pelvis. The method thus allows the patient to palpate the activation surface through skin.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of using electromagnetic field energies to reduce or arrest the growth rate and proliferation of cancer cells, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and reduce or arrest the growth and survival of foreign pathogens, relatively without significantly harming normal cells beyond their physiologic threshold of survival are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and other pelvic defects or dysfunctions, in both males and females, using one or more lateral implants to reinforce the supportive tissue of the urethra. The implants are configured to engage and pull (e.g., pull up) pelvic tissue to cause the lateral sub-urethral tissue, such as the endopelvic fascia, to tighten and provide slack reduction for improved support. As such, certain embodiments of the implants can be utilized to eliminate the need for mesh or other supportive structures under the urethra that is common with other incontinence slings.

Abstract: An implant delivery system can be used to deliver an implant into a body. The implant delivery system can include an inflation tube and a tubular member surrounding the inflation tube. The inflation tube can be used to provide an inflation medium to the implant. The tubular member can have a distal tip and an opening spaced from the tip to allow the implant to be released through the opening into an anatomical structure within the body.

Abstract: An empty reservoir empty of liquid is useful with an implantable penile prosthetic. The empty reservoir includes a first major surface separated from a second major surface by a side wall. The first major surface and the second major surface each include a depression having a complex concave curvature with a lateral concave curvature formed between opposed sides of the side wall and a longitudinal concave curvature formed between an end and a neck of the empty reservoir.

Abstract: A device to promote the production of neurotrophic factor without transplantation of cells or injection into the affected area is provided. The device contains a high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave. The magnetic stimulation by the high frequency alternating electromagnetic field allows the intracellular concentration of calcium ions to increase to induce exocytosis of the neurotrophic factor group and to increase mRNA of the neurotrophic factor group in the cells so that the synthesis and extracellular release of the neurotrophic factor group are promoted. The device is suitable for use in preventing or treating various diseases such as brain diseases.

Abstract: A system for sexual stimulation includes a first sexual stimulation device having a first sensor and a first actuator and a second sexual stimulation device having a second sensor and a second actuator. The first sexual stimulation device is configured to communicate information from the first sensor to actuate the second actuator of the second sexual stimulation device and the second sexual stimulation device is configured to communicate information from the second sensor to actuate the first actuator of the first sexual stimulation device.

Abstract: A surgical implant for treating female urinary incontinence comprises a suburethral support and first and second polymer soft tissue anchors. The suburethral support has a first end portion and a second end portion located opposite the first end portion. Each of the first and second soft tissue anchors is connected to a respective one of the first and second opposite end portions of the suburethral support. The first and second anchors are configured to penetrate and retain in soft tissue. A length of the implant between the first and second soft tissue anchors is configured to allow the suburetnral support to be positioned below a urethra of a patient and to allow the anchors to be retained in soft tissue on first and second sides of the urethra without the anchors penetrating the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A surgical implant for treating female urinary incontinence includes a suburethral support, first and second soft tissue anchors, and an elongated member. The first and second soft tissue anchors are connected to first and second opposite ends of the suburethral support, each anchor having a central portion, a proximal end, and a tip on a distal end of the anchor, and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion at longitudinally spaced locations along a length extending between the proximal and distal ends of the central portion. The elongated member extends between the proximal end of the first soft tissue anchor and the first end of the suburethral support to connect the anchor to the support and enable the position of the anchor with respect to the support to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for treating urinary incontinence includes making an incision in a region adjacent to the urethra, and positioning a tape under the urethra through the incision such that one portion of the tape extends from under the urethra through one obturator foramen and another portion of the tape extends from under urethra through the other obturator foramen.

Abstract: A mechanized dildo having a body with a plurality of vibrator assemblies, each vibrator assembly comprising a motor and a housing; a processor electrically coupled to each of the plurality of vibrator assemblies; a battery electrically coupled to the processor; at least one mode control switch electrically coupled to the processor; a phallic sleeve comprising an elastic material covers the plurality of vibrator assemblies; and a housing containing the processor, the battery and the at least one control switch; wherein the processor is configured to operate separate vibrator assemblies in different combination modes, such modes being selected using the at least one mode control switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interchangeable attachment connector system, characterized in that said system comprises: (a) a connector member, wherein said connector member comprises a shaft, said shaft having an engagement end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the shaft includes male threads; and (b) an interchangeable attachment capable of being removably engaged to the shaft of the connector member, the interchangeable attachment comprising a body, wherein said body includes two axial ends, an entry opening located in one of said axial ends and an axial bore extending from the entry opening, wherein said bore includes an entry opening and internal walls having female threads complementary to the male threads on the shaft of the connector member, wherein the shaft and the interchangeable attachment can be pushed together for engagement by inserting the engagement end of the shaft through the entry opening, and wherein engagement between the male threads and the female threads on the sha

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant is configured to be placed within a body of a patient. The implant includes a support member. The support member is configured to be placed adjacent a vaginal apex of a patient. The support member has a length sufficient to extend the length of the vaginal apex but not of a length sufficient to extend from the vaginal apex to a location between a vagina of the patient and a rectum of the patient. The implant also includes first and second arm members coupled to the support member. The arm members are configured to be coupled to bodily tissue of the patient to help secure the implant within the body of the patient.